Disclaimer: I do not own Mortal Kombat or any of its characters. All rights belong to Ed Boon, Nether Realm Studios, and Warner Bros.
In the realm of Edenia...
After the attack and invasion of Edenia so many years ago by Shao Kahn and Outworlds forces, the once beautiful paradise had been left a burnt and barren landscape. However, after taking what was left of the royal family, the few Edenians that remained never left their home to be a shadow of its former self.
Outside the Edenian rebel forces, were people that decided to rebuild Edenia and allow it to heal itself for the eventual return of the royal family. But those that witnessed the attack, knew that one member of the royal family would never return. King Jerrod, after the attack, had been greatly mourned and was given a proper burial before the rehabilitation of Edenia began.
While still not as beautiful as it once was, Edenia was nearing its former glory as the people had set up many decorations and party activities for the coming event.
Many Edenians had gathered around the rebuilt town square near the once Edenian royal palace. After hearing from the queen and the princess that the prince would also be returning, the citizens of Edenia celebrated and rejoined at the return of the royal family.
Though many, including Sindel and Kitana, still mourned at the loss of King Jerrod because they were able to now without fear of Shao Kahn looming over their shoulders.
The day of Kurai's return was highly anticipated as Sindel, Kitana and Jade stood among the people with bright smiles on their faces. But one among them was nervous and highly stressed about what Kurai's reaction to her would be.
Ophelia. While a strong and powerful woman, she still felt that she had failed her friend and queen, Sindel. She feels like she also failed Kurai, failing to protect him and losing him.
Since the attack on Edenia and losing Kurai through the portal all those years ago, the captain of the guard fidgets nervously with her hands. Noticing this, Jade looks over at her mother and gently grabs her hand to calm her. Ophelia looks at her daughter, who smiles at her and softly squeezes her hand reassuringly.
Ophelia, feeling calmer now, nods gratefully to her daughter, but still felt anxiety from the thought of Kurai return and his reaction to the captain.
Moments later, a bolt of lightning strikes the center of the town square to reveal the thunder god, Raiden, who bows respectfully to Sindel and Kitana, who both bow elegantly to the thunder god. Raiden then steps aside as Sindel, Kitana, and Jade all smile at the person standing behind him.
Kurai. But the reaction of the people was exactly what the prince was expecting. Silence. No fanfare. No cheers. Nothing. They were expecting a prince to return in elegant style clothing. They were not expecting a young man with handsome features to return wearing black work boots, dark pants, a dark blue t-shirt, and a hooded black leather jacket with a large duffel bag hanging over his shoulder. Kurai felt slightly uncomfortable from all the quiet stares, but he was expecting it.
Every single Edenian was confused, but the look on Sindel and Kitana's faces were telling them that this must be the prince. But why is he dressed this way? It doesn't make sense to them. The entire town square was now filled with quiet chatter and mumbles, questioning whether or not this person was in fact the returning prince. The stunned silence of the people was deafening.
The most confused among them was Ophelia. She leans over to Jade and whispers to her quietly. "Jade, is this really Kurai? He looks... different." She points out as Jade looks over to her mother with a nod.
"He looks battle hardened and experienced, yes?" She asks rhetorically as Ophelia nods. Jade smiles and nods in return. "He's been in Earth Realm for many years, mother. 9,000 years, in fact. He's been through and seen many wars and battles. And he is one of Earth Realms greatest fighters." She continues to explain as Ophelia's eyes widen in shock.
She then looks back at Kurai, who still stood next to Raiden nervously while looking back and forth at the crowd. Sindel moves to walk towards her son, but Jade stops her as Ophelia begins to walk towards him herself. Understanding why Jade stopped her, Sindel nods with a smile and decides to watch the scene before her and the people play out.
Kurai notices Ophelia walking towards him reluctantly, but waits until she is right in front of him. Unsure of what to say, Ophelia raises her trembling hands before placing them gently on his face. "Kurai? Is it... Is it really you?" She asks with uncertainty as Kurai finally smiles and pulls out the purple royal necklace that Sindel had given him the day of the attack on the palace before Ophelia was tasked with taking him away.
Her eyes widen in shock at the sight of the necklace before looking up at Kurai, who continues to smile at her. "Hello, Lady Ophelia. I'm glad to see you're safe." He says sincerely as Ophelia, needing no further evidence, releases a weeping sigh before embracing him in a tight hug.
Ophelia then shouts to the crowd. "It's him! It's really him! Prince Kurai has returned home! REJOICE!" She declares happily with tears streaming down her face as the fanfare and cheers finally commenced as confetti and fireworks explode in the sky at the prince's safe return.
Sindel, Kitana and Jade all walk up the two with happy tears falling down their faces as Ophelia pulls away from the hug to examine the prince and see how much he's grown.
Off to the side, Raiden smiles happily at Kurai and decides not to interfere with the celebrations as Sindel looks over at the thunder god, catching his attention. "Thank you." She mouthes to him, causing him to nod before teleporting and leaving Edenia in a bolt of lightning to let the royal family and their friends celebrate while also allowing Kurai to have this moment for himself.